Client name: Australian Government – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Duration: July 2013 - ongoing

Location: Cambodia

Situation

Australia and Cambodia share 60 years of diplomatic ties. They are working closely to combat the socio-economic issues Cambodia faces as a result of extreme poverty, from the sex trade industry to drug trafficking. Education plays a key role in reducing poverty by providing individuals with skills to increase their income and support vital economic growth.

The Australia Awards were first introduced in 1994 and are closely aligned with the values of the Australia and Cambodia Joint Aid Program Strategy 2010–2015, which focuses on improving key areas of development. The Australian Government has offered 600 Australia Awards Cambodia scholarships to postgraduate Cambodian citizens who are passionate about supporting the growth of their country, and strongly encourages women, people with disabilities, and people from marginalised groups to apply.

Solution

Coffey manages the Australia Awards Cambodia, ensuring recipients study across a range of industries and areas of study to support Cambodia’s development goals. This gives them the tools to improve health, infrastructure, rural development and law and justice in Cambodia.

A crucial aspect to the success of the Australia Awards is ensuring awardees are well supported during their return to the workforce. Coffey’s team managing the Australia Awards in Cambodia conduct a series of workshops to ensure a smooth transition, and to give recipients the chance to reflect on how their skills will support development in the country.

Result

Every awardee has a success story. Some of the recent development improvements in Cambodia as a result of Australia Awards alumni efforts include planning for Cambodia’s higher education, improving rural health services, empowering young women to realise their potential, and improving mental health support.